In Good Faith

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A wonderfully endearing and thought-provoking stoneware sculpture by contemporary British artist Shirley Sharp, depicting a characterful face with exaggerated features, an upward tilt and, most intriguingly, a blindfold covering its eyes.

With its prominent rounded nose, softly pursed lips and head raised towards the sky, In Good Faith has a lovely sense of warmth and vulnerability. The blindfold adds an entirely different dimension to the sculpture. Is this character placing its trust in someone or something, stepping into the unknown, or simply choosing not to see what’s directly in front of it? There’s something rather touching about that combination of uncertainty and optimism.

The sculpture is particularly interesting when viewed from different angles. From the front, the exaggerated facial features give it an almost comical quality, while from the side, the blindfold becomes much more apparent, wrapping around the head in a broad sweep of white. It’s a lovely detail that gives the sculpture both visual interest and a deeper sense of meaning.

Hand-sculpted in stoneware clay, the piece has a beautifully rugged, tactile surface. Soft buttery yellows, warm creams, earthy greens and subtle touches of dusty pink create a wonderfully weathered finish. The visible marks, creases and irregularities are all deliberately retained, giving the character a sense of having lived a life.

Shirley’s sculptures explore human behaviour, emotions and the curious ways we connect with one another. Inspired by years of sketching people in everyday settings, she deliberately exaggerates features while retaining a sense of believability. Her work often balances humour with tenderness and vulnerability, reflecting the sometimes complicated relationship between how we present ourselves to the world and how we feel inside.

What we particularly love about In Good Faith is how beautifully its title works alongside the blindfold. There’s something very human about putting our faith in things we cannot see or know for certain. Yet Shirley leaves plenty of room for interpretation, allowing each viewer to bring their own experiences and ideas to the piece.

A wonderfully unusual and expressive sculpture that brings warmth, personality and a little food for thought to any space.

Height: 23cm
Width: 15.5cm
Depth: 22cm

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